Courtesy Photo | Gen. Richard A. Cody, U.S. Army vice chief of staff, signs a reenlistment bonus check...... read more read more
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By Cpt. Georginia Bradshaw
4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
FORWARE OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan - The U.S. Army vice chief of staff, Gen. Richard A. Cody reenlisted a Bravo Company, 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Soldier and presented a few combat patches to Soldiers during his farewell tour, May 12.
Reenlisted was Sgt. James W. Kehoe, Jr, a Bravo Company, 801st BSB, 4th BCT mechanic from Cleveland.
"I am excited because I served with General Cody when he was the 101st commander," said Kehoe, who has been in the Army 12 years and reenlisted for five more.
Kehoe shared fond memories of the general.
"At General Cody's chain of command, we had a pass and review with the division. It was the most amazing situation because he had told the entire division to rush him at the podium," said Kehoe. "Everyone was screaming and yelling. It was an awesome experience and extremely moving because that was the last time the entire division was at Fort Campbell, (Ky.)."
Though he expressed a sincere congratulation, Kehoe also felt mixed emotions when he learned the visit was the general's farewell tour.
"I think that the Army will be at a great loss for losing such an awesome leader", said Kehoe.
Still, Kehoe said he felt great honor as Cody led him in the reenlistment oath. After the ceremony, the general talked with the Soldiers of the 801st BSB.
"People reenlist because of the people they work with and the pride the Soldier have in their unit, that's why they reenlist," said Cody. "I've been in for 36 years and no matter what you do, you will tell your grandchildren that 300 million people live in freedom because of you."
Prior to the reenlistment ceremony, Cody presented combat patches to selected Soldiers within the battalion and handed out achievement awards.
One Soldier, who was on his first deployment, said he was moved from being presented his first combat patch by a 101st legend.
"I was pretty excited when General Cody put my patch on my sleeve," said Spc. Anthony S. Diaz, of Colorado Springs, Colo., who serves a Nuclear Biological Chemical clerk and Operations non-commissioned officer in charge for Bravo Company, 801st BSB, 4th BCT, 101st Abn. Div.
"I have never been around anyone that high up in the food chain," continued Diaz. "I was nervous at first about deploying but since I've been on ground for a while my fears have been settled. I am excited to finish out my 15 month deployment."
| Date Taken: | 05.12.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2008 15:38 |
| Story ID: | 19632 |
| Location: | FORWARE OPERATING BASE SHARANA, AF |
| Web Views: | 838 |
| Downloads: | 743 |
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